Agenda item

Toni Smithurst, Area Housing Manager

Toni Smithurst, Nottingham City Homes, presented a report updating on the work of Nottingham City Homes in relation to the capital programme and major work; area regeneration and environmental issues; key messages from the Tenant and Leasehold Congress; Tenant and Residents Associations; area performance; and good news stories and positive publicity.  She highlighted the following information:

(a)  The works at Windmill Lane, Sneinton had been completed apart from a small number of access issues and positive feedback had been received.

(b)  Engineers were working at the Victoria Centre to improve the intercom and replace the passenger lift.

(c)  In Dales ward, Tatton Park Garden recently installed a RHS Gold Award garden into Manvers Court.

(d)  In Mapperley ward, consideration is being given to options for improving the wall on Dooland Drive as it is damaged and decaying.

(e)  In St Anns ward, improvements have been made to the boundary to Massey Gardens in addition to the previous improvements at the Stonebridge area.  Phase 2 of the project is being developed.

(f)  The Victoria Centre Roof Garden project is currently in the design stage and consultation had been undertaken with residents.

(g)  Nottingham City Homes had achieved landlord accreditation from the Tenant Participation Advisory Service for its resident involvement.  This means that it is a national leader with best practice in this area.

(h)  Following vandalism at Stonebridge City Farm, Nottingham City Homes apprentices helped to mend facilities and equipment.

(i)  Good performance in dealing with anti-social behaviour had been maintained and overall tenant satisfaction with the anti-social behaviour service had improved.

(j)  Targets in relation to rent collection had been met.

(k)  There were 22 empty properties in the Dales, Mapperley and St Anns wards and the average time to re-let properties in the area was 26 days.  Void processes had recently undergone a major review which was helping to improve performance.

During discussion the following comments were made:

(l)  The relatively low number of empty properties is positive.

(m)It is disappointing that tenant satisfaction with the repairs service is below target.

(n)  It was suggested that new tenants are given a pack of information with details about their local councillors, information about recycling, a list of useful contact numbers etc.

RESOLVED to

(1)  note the update and performance information in appendices 1 and 2 of the report;

(2)  note the allocation of funds for 2016/17:

(3)  approve £4700 from the Area Capital Programme for the following scheme: